Actual Patient
Thinking of a flat, toned tummy? Want to eliminate loose skin caused by the “wear and tear” of pregnancy or by weight loss? A tummy tuck might be the answer…. read on.
A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is one of the most requested procedures that Fiala Aesthetics performs. It is especially popular among post-pregnancy moms who wish to get their pre-pregnancy shape back and also for men & women who have lost a substantial amount of weight. Often, people have been working hard with diet and exercise, and just simply don’t see any improvement of their abdominal contour. Here’s why: even though exercise can tone the underlying muscles, it has no effect on loose skin. Further weight loss, by a deflation effect, just makes the loose skin look worse. And stretch marks don’t respond to diet and exercise.
What is Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgery removes this loose skin, restoring the slim and trim contour. Repair of the abdominal musculature also helps to give a flat tummy, particularly for the post-pregnancy moms where a situation is known as “rectus diastasis” exists. In this situation, the two “sit-up” muscles of the abdomen have separated apart, leaving a weak area that tends to bulge in between the muscles. Rectus diastasis can only be repaired with surgery. The muscle fascia is repaired with sutures, much like an internal girdle or corset, to restore the desired abdominal wall shape. It is the combination of muscle tightening and skin removal that gives the tummy tuck its shaping power.
Depending on the amount of loose skin that is present, one of three types of a tummy tuck will be offered: a mini, a standard, or an extended tummy tuck. Incisions are positioned so that they will be hidden by most typical bikini styles.
Dr. Fiala has been a leader in the research & development of the ultrasound-guided “TAP block” using Exparel for this operation, a long-acting local anesthetic, which dramatically reduces post-op pain & soreness after a tummy tuck or mommy makeover. This enhanced-recovery technique has been published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, presented at national meetings, and adopted by other local surgeons. It’s now our standard technique for both Dr. Fiala. Ask us for more details!
Be sure to download our free e-book on tummy tucks and liposuction. It’s filled with answers to frequently asked questions. We recommend you read through this book, prior to your tummy tuck consultation.
For recommendations on body contouring and pre-op weight, click here.